SPORTS, PAGE 8
OPINION: KEEP WORKING TO BE AN INFORMED VOTER, PAGE 4.
FRIDAY
THE
Wildcats aim for three in a row as they head to Opelika for the Bulldogs!
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 September 16, 2016 Vol. 124, No. 187 www.alexcityoutlook.com
Murder case may have had racial motive
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story contains a derogatory racial term that was a direct quote from testimony in this courtcase. Readers who may find this offensive are cautioned in advance.
By MITCH SNEED Editor
The case against a man accused of shooting his neighbor to death while he was mowing his grass on a riding lawnmower is headed to the grand jury. Judge Kim Taylor bound the case
Former Tallassee police officer arrested for assault
against accused killer Franklin Price Jr. following a preliminary hearing Thursday. The state, led by Tallapoosa County Assistant District Attorney Jeremy Duerr, presented evidence discovered in the investigation of 49-year-old Elbert Clyde Wilson’s death on April 20. It was an emotional day, especially for the 24 friends and family members who filled five rows of courtroom benches, many wearing royal blue t-shirts with Wilson’s face on the front.
Wilson died shortly after being shot on his property at 3823 Highway 63, just outside the Alexander City City limits. Price lived across the street. While some information on the case had come to light, people wanted to know why would Price shoot his neighbor, especially when he told investigators shortly after the shooting that he saw a red truck pull up in front of Wilson and fire a shot in his direction? Testimony indicated that Price finally
admitted to the shooting, but said it was an accident in a signed statement. However, two men who spent time in jail with the accused killer said it was racial hatred that drove Price that day, Price according to testimony given by Alexander City See MURDER • Page 3
BYTE OUT OF CRIME
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
A member of the Tallassee Police Department found themselves on the wrong side of the law Wednesday after the Tallapoosa County Grand Jury filed an indictment against 23-year-old Brandon Smirnoff for assault. The alleged assault occurred earSmirnoff lier this year after Smirnoff assisted other officers in the pursuit of a suspect who was attempting to elude police on an ATV. “The vehicle was eventually stopped and the driver was taken into custody,” Police Chief Jimmy Rodgers said in a statement to The Tribune. “It was at this point, while the individual was being transported back to a patrol vehicle, that he alleges that See ASSAULT • Page 3
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
487.58 Reported on 9/15/16 @ 6 p.m.
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Investigators warn of the severity of internet threats and worked together to solve cyber crimes. Recently local officials worked to seek the source of an online threat to Benjamin Russell High School.
Investigators track ‘digital footprints’ to find source of internet threats By MITCH SNEED Editor
An obscure social media post caught the attention of Alexander City Schools and Alexander City Police Department officials on the morning of Saturday Sept. 3. The the post was made on the social media site IFunny by an individual with the screen name “Blackyard_V2” saying that “Benjamin Russell high school will be shot up on 9/6/2016.”
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The post went on to mention the name of a student and closed with the letters “lol.” In the aftermath of deadly school shootings, those words typed from an unknown person, from some keyboard that could have been located anywhere in the world, touched off alarms, bells, whistles and a flurry of activity as investigators worked to find out who was responsible and if the threat was credible. Investigators started to interview people, including the student who was mentioned in See DIGITAL • Page 3
The Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office recorded among the most impressive clearance rates of crimes of all county sheriff’s offices in Alabama, according to the annual report Crime in Alabama, released on Wednesday by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), “We try on that,” said Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett. “It’s like anything else, sometimes our numbers don’t agree with theirs. And it’s also just major crimes. But I’ve started to look at the report and I’m proud of what we did as far as the major crimes. “We’ve got dedicated people that are working really hard. Sometimes it’s a solvability issue where you have no evidence. But on the ones that are solvable where we have evidence, our rate on those has been good.” A criminal case is considered cleared when it is solved for crimereporting purposes either by the arrest of a suspect or by exceptional means (provides a solution to a crime See CLEARANCE • Page 3
Benjamin Russell NJROTC to compete in Gator Games By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
High
Sheriff’s crime clearance rate among best in Alabama
Twenty-five cadets from the Benjamin Russell High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) will leave Friday afternoon to compete in the Gator Games, a series of competitive events that will take place Saturday at Pensacola, Florida’s Escambia High School. Capt. Matthew L. Leahey said the games attract schools from around the Southeast, including the states of Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas. He said cadets compete in 10 competitive events, ranging Cadets will be competing in events ranging from knot-tying relays, track competitions, and even team-building events such as wheel barrow races and Australian shuttle races. This year, 18 schools will compete, Leahey
said, with a total of approximately 400 students. Each school will bring 25-40 students each. “It’s a great way to start off the school year,” Leahey said. “It allows some of the kids who may not have seen other parts of the country to do so and it allows our kids to interact with those from throughout the Southeast.” This marks the 14th time that Benjamin Russell has competed in the Gator Games, Leahey said. “We will be taking 25 students to the games,” said Leahey, who is in his first year at Benjamin Russell. “We’ll be leaving Friday, the games take most of the day on Saturday and we will return Saturday night. “Our trip will include the appropriate number of chaperones and is funded by the Navy. We appreciate the Board of Education, Benjamin Russell High School and the Navy for making this trip possible.”
File / The Outlook
Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett addresses the media at a recent press conference about the war against meth in the area. Abbett’s department ranked among the state’s best at clearing crimes last year.
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Memories of awful boyfriend continue to linger years later
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Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom
Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Cathy Higgins Sports Editor, Ext. 228 cathy.higgins@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com
Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Donna Jones Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 donna.jones@alexcityoutlook.com Jaylan Reynolds Advertising Sales Intern, Ext. 232 jaylan.reynolds@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Audra Spears Composing Department, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Graphic Artist, Ext. 231 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Asst. Circulation Manager, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.
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How to Submit Obituaries +
© 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail at obits@alexcityoutlook.com or by fax at (256) 234-6550. For more information, call (256) 234-4281.
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DEAR ABBY: Years ago, I dated an awful guy. He possessed just about every negative quality you could imagine. I dated him anyway because I was immature, depressed and lonely. Since we broke up and I got my mental health back on track, my life has been wonderful. I keep moving up and forward in life. I hear through the grapevine that his life, on the other hand, is in shambles. I blame myself for wasting the time I did with him. Sometimes when he pops into my head I get sick to my stomach. I’m afraid he might come back into my life and harm me because he blames me for his miserable life and bad choices. How do you remove such a negative person from your memory? Is it possible to forget -- especially when you want to? -- ANNOYED IN TEXAS DEAR ANNOYED: Your experiences have made you the person you are, and at this point in your
DEAR ABBY Advice
life, you have made yourself successful and happy. Congratulations for that. Now it’s time to stop listening to news about your ex-boyfriend through the grapevine. When friends bring him up, tell them you aren’t interested. If he lives nearby, frequents the same places you do and has threatened you, talk to law enforcement or move. Give it time; time has a way of healing. It’s important that you continue getting on with your life. You may find fears will dissipate once you find a new significant other. DEAR ABBY: I’m someone who’s been chronically hot for as long as I can remember. In winter, I usually wear lighter clothes than most
people so I can be comfortable. Unfortunately, complete strangers feel compelled to ask several times a day, “Aren’t you cold?” or say, “You’re crazy for dressing that way!” I don’t feel I should have to justify my wardrobe, and I think calling someone crazy is out of line. I have pointed out to some people that how I dress is none of their business, at which point they take offense. (One guy even told me to “shove it where the sun don’t shine.”) I don’t think my response was inappropriate considering that they were the ones judging me. I’m the one who should have been upset. What can I say to these judgmental people without justifying myself and without evoking an angry response? -- NOT CRAZY, JUST COMFORTABLE DEAR NOT CRAZY: Most people are curious when they see something “different.” Wearing lightweight clothing in the dead of winter qualifies as different. If you are asked, all you need to say is that
your body temperature runs hotter than most people’s, and you are perfectly comfortable. Period. DEAR ABBY: A friend of mine died recently. My question is, how much time should I wait before asking his widow if she saved his hearing aids from the crematorium and if so, could I have them? -CHEAP MINNESOTAN DEAR MINNESOTAN: You didn’t mention how long ago your friend died, but if it was yesterday, give the widow a week or two to recover from the shock of her loss. I say this because if you wait too long, somebody else may grab them, but if you ask too soon, she may give you an earful. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www. DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Obituaries Mr. Jimmie Sanford 1938 - 2016 Funeral Service for Mr. Jimmie Sanford, 78, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Friday, September 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Gary Thomas will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 15, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mr. Sanford passed away on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at Russell Medical Center. He was born on April 28, 1938 in Tallapoosa County, Alabama to Marvin Reese Sanford and Ola Virgil Sanford. He loved spending time with his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mr. Sanford enjoyed spending time on the lake, and was a fan of Alabama football and the
Mrs. Linda Simmons Hunter Memorial service for Mrs. Linda Simmons Hunter, of Warner Robins GA. for-
Atlanta Braves. He is survived by his wife, Lela Sanford of Alexander City; son, Danny Sanford (Tennie) of Alexander City; step-daughter, Glenda Thomas (Gary) of Maryville, TN; grandchildren, Daniel Sanford, Jr., Portia (Brandon) Looser, Brittany Sanford, and Eric Sanford; step-grandchildren, Andy Thomas and Samuel Thomas; greatgrandchildren, Khloe Looser and Annalyn Looser; step great-grandchildren, Bransley Looser and Carrisa Looser; and sister, Billie Jordan (Carl) of Alexander City. He was preceded in death by his son, David Sanford and his parents. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com.
Clarece Dean Sasser Graveside services for Mrs. Clarece Dean Sasser, age 83, of Alexander City will be held Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in Alexander City Cemetery with the Reverend Roger Green and Brother Jerry Sasser officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 17, 2016, from 9 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. at Bass Funeral Home. Mrs. Sasser died Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at Russell Medical Center. She was born January 13, 1933 to Clark Dean and Gladys Sherum Sasser. Mrs. Sasser is survived by three sons, Roger Dwain ( Alanda) Sasser of Sylacauga, Perry Kevin Sasser of Alexander City and Kim Eric Sasser of Alexander City; one brother, David Jack Dean of Alexander City; four grandchildren, Scott Sasser, Ashley Johnson, Stephanie Sasser and Alana Sasser and three great grandchildren, Caden Sasser, Brody Fields and Hudson Miles. Mrs. Sasser was preceded in death by her husband and two brothers, Huey Gene Dean and Daniel Dean. Mrs. Sasser was a member of Bethany Baptist Church, a former volunteer at Russell Medical Center and a former member of the Sunshine Singers group. Bass Funeral Home directing. www.bassfuneralhomeandcremations.com
Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. merly of Clay County AL; will be held Saturday, September 17, 2016; 12:00 p.m., at the Hatchett Spring Baptist Church, Goodwater, AL.
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Mr. Roy Stroud 1931 - 2016 Funeral Service for Mr. Roy Stroud, 85, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Radney Funeral Home. Randy Anderson will officiate. Burial will follow in the Russell Farms Baptist Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, September 16, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mr. Stroud passed away on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 in Sunny Hills, Florida. He was born on July 29, 1931 in Wetumpka, Alabama to Asbury Stroud and Elizabeth Pearl Stroud. He was a member of Russell Farms Baptist Church. Mr. Stroud was a dedicated family man, and family was more important to him than worldly possessions. He worked at Russell Corporation for 25 years, and he enjoyed building furniture in his wood shop. He is survived by his daughter, Sharon Kirk (Mark) of Sunny Hills, FL; son, Rodney Stroud of Alexander City; granddaughter, Elise Kirk; and grandson, Dylan Kirk. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Royster Stroud; his first wife, Gaynell Mask Stroud, and his parents. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Dadeville man dies in Lineville accident
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
A two-vehicle crash at 1:45 p.m. Sept. 13, has claimed two lives. Michael Newman Boerstler, 51, of Dadeville was killed when the Ford F-150 he was driving collided head-on with a 1995 White tractor trailer. Boerstler and a passenger, Brenda Sue Duvall, 57, of Calhoun, Georgia were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the tractor trailer was airlifted to UAB Hospital. The crash occurred on Alabama Highway 9 five miles north of Lineville. Nothing further is available as Alabama State Troopers continue to investigate.
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Clearance
continued from page 1
when there is enough evidence to place a formal charge against an offender, but some element beyond law enforcement control precludes an actual arrest). The clearance rate is the percentage of crimes cleared or solved. In 2015, the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office cleared its single murder case, its single case of robbery, all four of its larcenies and both of its motor vehicle theft cases, achieving clearance rates of 100 percent in each category. It also cleared 78 percent of its nine rape cases, but only three of its 10 assaults and 45 percent of its 103 burglaries. Only Barbour, Blount, Morgan, Fayette and St. Clair counties also had clearance rates of 100 percent or more in at least four separate categories. The Alexander City Police Department reported 10 rapes (six cleared), 10 robberies (five cleared), 201 assaults (89 or 44 percent cleared), 145 burglaries (36 or 25 percent cleared), 469 larcenies (165 or 35 percent cleared) and 33 motor-vehicle thefts (16 or 48 percent
cleared). Dadeville Police reported two rapes (both cleared), three robberies (one cleared), 23 assaults (20, or 83 percent, cleared), 14 burglaries (four, or 29 percent, cleared), 72 larcenies (30, or 42 percent, cleared) and eight motor-vehicle thefts, half of which were cleared. Among Tallapoosa County’s other police departments: • Camp Hill reported three burglaries, two motorvehicle thefts, one robbery and one larceny. Only the assault and one of the burglaries were cleared. • Jackson’s Gap reported eight burglaries, three larcenies, two motor vehicle thefts and an assault. None of the burglaries or larcenies and only one of the motorvehicle thefts were cleared. • New Site reported only six crimes, including an assault, a burglary and a motor-vehicle theft and three larcenies. All but one of the three larcenies were cleared. Statewide, the number of homicides increased 31 percent from 2014’s 270 to 353 in 2015. Violent
Digital tors is virtually impossible. But in this case, the poster had the platform linked to other social media accounts including Facebook and Instagram. Through the cooperative effort between Alexander City Police and Hough with the TCSD, the investigation produced an IP address in California, where it was found that the post had been made by a 12-year-old boy there. With the help of California officials, the suspect was interviewed, his parents were involved and it was apparent that there was no “credible threat.” “In this day and time you have to treat every one of these as if they present a real danger until you prove otherwise,” Hough said. “In this case the process worked and it was a good ending. It worked because everyone began working immediately. I’m just glad I could help in some way.” Alexander City Deputy Police Chief Jay Turner said having a resource with Hough’s expertise is a valuable asset. “We have a great relationship with the Sheriff’s Department and our guys did a great job jumping on
Murder
Assault Brandon Smirnoff used force which exceeded that which was necessary. “ The investigation originally began in March when ALEA, State Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation began an investigation to the alleged assault. Following the investigation, the evidence obtained was presented to the Tallapoosa County grand jury on Tuesday. According to Rodgers,
crimes, rapes, robberies and assaults also increased. The number of violent crimes rose from 19,628 in 2014 to 22,279 in 2015. Rapes increased from 1,890 to 1,988. Robberies rose from 4,481 to 4,506. Assaults numbered 15,432 in 2015, an increase from 2014’s 12,987. Property crimes, burglaries and larcenies all went down from 2014. Crime in Alabama is a publication that contains individual crime statistics reported by 350 local law enforcement agencies, in their respective local jurisdictions, throughout Alabama. Also released are detailed supplemental reports for the 350 local law enforcement agencies, excerpted from the Crime in Alabama 2015 report, including 2015 Domestic Violence in Alabama, 2015 Juvenile Victims of Violent Crime in Alabama, and 2015 County and Municipal Drug-related Crime Statistics. Alabama’s UCR Program, administered by ALEA, provides uniform crime statistics to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
continued from page 1
the post and talked with school officials and started to research the IFunny social media platform. But then they turned to Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department Chief Investigator and Training Officer Lt. Bill Hough for guidance. Hough is a member of the state and national task force for cyber crimes. He has undergone hundreds of hours of training and has logged 10 times that many working on cases and researching ways to track people who use a computer to commit crimes and create fear. “Everything you do electronically – email, social media or even text messages – leaves a digital footprint,” Hough said. “Some are more difficult that others to track, but they are all there if you know where to look. “I am very fortunate that Sheriff Jimmy Abbett has allowed me to take the time to get this training and he has been very supportive of our efforts to work on education of not only our people, but the community as well on cyber crimes.” In this case, investigators learned that IFunny is actually based in Russia and getting help from administra-
Police Department Det. Sabrina Osborne. Osborne testified about the initial scene witness interviews, locating the possible murder weapon, evidence from a burglary, forensic testing, recreations of the scene and ballistic evidence. Osborne read from a statement signed by Price where he claimed he was shooting at a rabbit that jumped the bullet from a .22 rifle, but the bullet ricocheted off a fence and struck Wilson. Osborne, who has been in law enforcement for nine years and studied the scene carefully, said the story “didn’t add up,” because the direction Price said he was shooting and the fence that he claimed the bullet ricocheted from was in a totally opposite direction from the victim. Instead, the doorway where Price was standing would have been a straight line to where Wilson was shot, Osborne testified. While the evidence outlined the state’s case, it was statements Osborne took from two men Duerr described as “jailhouse snitches” that was the most dramatic of the day. The first statement was taken from a man who was in jail with Price on June 22. Osborne read it directly and it indicated Price told the man that he was going with the story that he was “shooting at a rabbit for now.” The statement given by the inmate said that later Price opened up and was more candid about the incident. “As the night went on I began to ask him more questions about what the newspaper had said and he did tell me that I killed that nigger,” Osborne said as she read the statement signed by one of the men Price had shared a cell with at the Tallapoosa County Jail. “He did tell me that there was some land
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The Outlook
it and tracking it from every angle possible,” Turner said. “But he was able to connect the dots and track that address down. That was a big relief. There is nothing more important than the security of our students. This time, we found that it was just a stupid stunt by a kid on the other side of the country. But at least we know that. It would have been much worse if we hadn’t found that out.”
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continued from page 1
beside or behind his house that he didn’t want the man to buy.” The graphic racial slur drew a gasp from Wilson’s family and many wept openly and wiped tears from their eyes. Wilson’s widow had to be taken from the courtroom. The following day Osborne testified she took a statement from a second inmate who gave much the same story, without receiving any offer of help with his legal situation. “As of June 19, his story changed completely,” Osborne read from the statement. “He (Price) was upset because his landlord wanted to sell some land behind the property the black guy was staying on. He asked Frank if we wanted to purchase it first, but considering he didn’t have the money for the land, he proceeded to sell it to the black guy. That didn’t settle well with Frank because he didn’t want the black guy staying next to him from the jump so he said he shot that nigger off the lawnmower.” Mitchell Gavin, the courtappointed attorney for Price, asked about details of the investigation and about his client’s condition. He asked several questions dealing with Price’s use of alcohol and his state of sobriety during Osborne’s encounters with him. Price appeared in court in a striped prison uniform that was faded to gray, clean shaven with his hair cut much shorter than at the time of his murder arrest. Gavin asked that witnesses speak loudly, due to a hearing impairment that Price suffers from. Still he could be seen leaning over and asking his attorney what had been said. Gavin did receive a large packet of evidence as part of the discovery in the case. He was also promised all photos and recordings that have been made in the course of
continued from page 1
Smirnoff has been arrested and is now out on a $5000 bond. “It is our understanding that he turned himself in on these charges to the Tallapoosa County Jail and is now released on bond to await trial,” Rodgers said. Smirnoff was a member of the Tallassee police force for approximately 2 years. “This is an unfortunate set of events,” Rodgers said.
the investigation. No date was given as to when the case could be presented to the grand jury for possible indictment. Price remains in the Tallapoosa County Jail with a total bond of $280,000, including $250,000 on the murder charge.
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EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
Outlook The
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Opinion
Our View Keep working to make an informed runoff decision
T
his may sound like a familiar beat on the same old drum, but it is one that deserves a replay. The best voter is an informed voter. That’s why we would like to applaud Sean Bland, Jeff Kirk, Michael Ransaw, Doug Roberts and the folks at Cooper Recreation Center for holding question and answer sessions this week for the candidates involved in runoffs in Alexander City Council Districts 1 and 2. On two consecutive nights, Monday and Tuesday, four candidates were attentive, thoughtful and all took their best shot at selling themselves to the voters. They answered some tough questions and gave a real look at what they feel is important to their districts and the city. In both gatherings, candidates who have stepped up and shown the willingness to be public servants, told residents why they want to serve, what they see as the big issues facing the city and offered their opinions on how they can help accomplish their goals. Voters need that kind of information, with details you can’t get from a yard sign or brochure, to make an important decision for Alexander City. Elections too often turn out to be popularity contests and not enough about qualifications, ideas and substance. Runoff Election Day is just 18 days away on Oct. 4. It’s encouraging that candidates are getting out and meeting with voters, but it is even more refreshing to have residents paying so much attention to the task at hand. While no mayoral forum is planned for the runoff at this time. Many residents report having been called by people taking a poll on their preference in that race. What that points to is a tremendous amount of interest in the future of Alexander City. That is a great thing. It appears that Alexander City residents are concerned about the future and are doing their homework. The power of a vote is an awesome thing. Keep studying and make your vote count.
Friday, September 16, 2016
The practice of ‘rendering unto Caesar’
E
very politician I’ve seen is looking concerned about the welfare of the American people. They’re assuring us of their support for lower taxes, higher spending, special exemptions and anything else they think folks want to hear. Basically, what they are saying is scary when it comes to our money. I thought I would point out one money idea that is doomed to failure. This is the proposal of a flat tax across the board. I recently saw a bumper sticker that said, “If 10 percent is good enough for the Lord, it ought to be good enough for Uncle Sam!” As a veteran pastor of 50 years I couldn’t help but laugh. That guy honestly thinks the Lord gets 10 percent. What an optimist! If the US government set up a 10 percent tax code based on the same rate of return as the tithe we would all be in trouble. In no time they would find themselves in the same shape as the church. Soon they would have to scrap most of the Navy, ground half of the Air Force, disband the Marines and cut the Army in half. They would find that 20 percent of the taxpayers had to support the other 80 percent, and that those in this 80 percent bracket will want to tell them how to spend the money given by the 20 percent! With this new tax system I would suggest they get a
DR. GERALD HALLMARK Guest Columnist
few church members to sit with Congress and discuss ways to spend this money. I can assure you these congressmen would discover a new definition for the word accountability. Every time they used some fancy language to justify spending a church member would jump up and threaten to designate their tax money. By the end of the first year these disgruntled members would form a secret committee, meet behind closed doors and run the preacher...oops, the congressman, off. Yes sir, before long there wouldn’t be enough money to run the basic functions of the government. However, all the designated memorial gifts would build bridges, highways, buy ships and fund other special projects. Of course, each of these projects would require a plaque, a detailed write up in the Congressional Review, and then they could only be used as the family designated them. A big argument the IRS ought to prepare for is the idea that since this is a voluntary covenant agreement it now falls under grace, not the law. They will be confronted with church folks that will argue
whether the tithe idea even exists because of the New Testament. They will make Vatican’s canonical lawyers sound like babes in the woods when it comes to deciding whether to be taxed 10 percent based on their gross or take home pay. The IRS guys will long for the old days when they only had 70,000 pages of tax laws. Church financial secretaries would become more important than CPA’s. We all know that Uncle Sam is going to get what is due to Caesar, but the question is does the Lord get what is due to Him? Most church folks can’t recite the books of the Bible, but can read a church financial report backwards and forwards. This is an indication that their prayer books and checkbooks never get together with their pocket books. Good stewardship is a health indicator of a person and a church’s spiritual life. After all, Jesus reminded us that the way we use our treasure shows our heart. I like another bumper sticker I saw. It said, “If you love Jesus don’t honk – TITHE!” That sums it up pretty well, don’t you think? So, don’t honk in church –TITHE! Dr. Gerald Hallmark is a retired minister who lives in Alexander City. His column appears each Friday in The Outlook.
Emma Jean Thweatt represents District 4, which includes Dadeville, Pace’s Point, northern Camp Hill, Buttston, Dudleyville and part of Eagle Creek. Her daytime phone number is 825-6914 and her evening phone number is 825-4207. Her address Emma Jean Thweatt is 585 Brookwood Circle, Dadeville. George Carleton Jr. represents District 5, which includes southern Camp Hill, Red Ridge, Walnut Hill, Union and Pleasant Ridge. His address is 630 Turner Road Road, Dadeville.
George Carleton Jr.
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T.C. Coley represents District 1, including half of Coley Creek, the Andrew Jackson subdivision, the southern part of Indian Hill, North Central Avenue, part of Pearson’s Chapel Road, the Northside community and portion T.C. Coley of Spring Hill community. His phone number is 212-9316. His address is 2316 North Central Avenue, Kellyton.
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Steve Robinson represents District 2, which includes the southern part of Alexander City, the Cedar Creek area, Ourtown and Willow Point. His phone number is 256-654-0047. His Steve Robinson address is 1225 Warren Circle, Alexander City.
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What if president-elect dies or withdraws before taking office? Dear Editor, This nation is facing a potential crisis. With the existing political environment and Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton’s health, we simply must face the possibility that she may withdraw before Jan. 20, or even before the Nov. 8 election! I have been engaged in numerous conversations over the past week with colleagues posing the question, “What would happen?” There is not a clear and definitive answer in our Constitution. Until the General Election in November, it would be a matter for each of the major parties and their specific rules for replacing a presidential candidate. Not unlike the action the Democratic Party took in
1972 by replacing vice-presidential candidate Thomas Eagleton due to health concerns. The chairperson would convene a meeting of the Democratic National Committee comprised of 447 members from across the U.S. and act forthwith. Their specific rules are very unclear. The RNC is much more specifically spelled out. The Republican National Committee’s 150 members would meet and act. But again, they would be flying by the seats of their pants with no hard rules. A lingering question persists: if a president-elect is already chosen, then dies or withdraws, what happens? This question is NOT covered in the Constitution! The
Electoral College convenes in early December. Would they be bound by their specific state laws on what candidate to vote for? How would the Congress fit into this picture since the president-elect is not legally the president until Congress confirms the vote – including the electoral vote, and he (or she) is sworn in. After the swearing in, the new President’s leaving office is covered by the 20th Amendment of the Constitution with the vicepresident assuming power under Article 24. Looks like we need to pray for the continued health of both candidates until after Jan. 20th. James W. Anderson Talladega
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September 12-16
CHURCH REVIVAL: House of Prayer Apostolic Church of Promise on North Central Avenue is hosting a Holy Ghost Fire Revival Sept. 12-16 at 7 p.m. nightly. Everyone is welcome.
September 14-16
CHURCH REVIVAL: GAP Fellowship Church at 721 Robinson Court is hosting a revival Sept. 14-16 at 7 p.m.
September 15-18
PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: The Greater Temple of God Ministries is celebrating its 40th Anniversary Bishop L. W. and Elect Lady Hazel Miles Sept. 15 and Sept 16 at 6:30 p.m. and Sept. 18 at 3 p.m.
September 17
TRADE DAY: The Bibb Graves Alumni and Friends Association is hosting a trade day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Booths are $10. YOUTH EXPLOSION: Hatchett Springs Youth Ministry is hosting No Limits Youth Explosion 2016 Saturday, Sept. 17 at 3 p.m. with special guest D Hal. BENEFIT PANCAKE BREAKFAST: New Site Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a pancake breakfast benefit for Tommy Latham Saturday, Sept. 17 from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. at New Site City Hall for $5 a plate. Tommy is the chief of the fire department. He was severely burned July 26th, 2016 working on a truck at the fire department. He was transferred by ambulance to UAB Burn Unit where he stayed overnight, was sent home, and the next day was admitted back into UAB with infection. He is home and healing wonderfully; however, he has been unable to go back to work for over a month now per doctor’s orders. All of the proceeds from the benefit will go to Tommy. Please plan to come out and support this event for Tommy. He has been such a faithful servant to our community. He has sacrificed his own health to try to make all of us safe. He and his family need us to step up now to help out since he has been out of work due to this injury. HOLY GHOST GOOD TIME: Victory Temple Holiness Church in Dadeville is hosting a Holy Ghost Good Time Saturday, Sept. 17 7 p.m. Guest speaker is Pastor Billie Crawford from Childersburg. The pastor is Phylis Sinclair.
September 18
SACRED HARP SINGING: Smyrna Baptist Church in Goodwater is hosting its annual Sacred Harp singing Sunday, Sept. 18 starting at 10 a.m. Bring a covered dish for lunch and more singing in the afternoon. For more information call Jack Nelson at 256-839-5344 or William Futral at 256-839-6670. CHURCH HOMECOMING: The annual homecoming at Shiloh Church will be Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. Shiloh Church is on Coosa County Road 42. Mr. Joel Graham will be playing and singing and Mr. Seth Gowan will speak. Lunch will be spread under the old trees with lots of time to visit. If you are interested in the church and its upkeep, any donations can be sent to Herbert Traylor 40 AL Highway 259, Equality, AL 36026. TRUTH TEAM: The Horseshoe Bend High School TRUTH Team will
be at Calvary heights Baptist Church on Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. There will be a fellowship afterwards in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone is welcome. CHOIR DAY: Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Wadley is hosting its annual choir day Sunday, Sept. 18 at 2 p.m. Guest speaker will be Rev. Justin Freeman of Canaan Baptist Church. Everyone is invited. THE LANDING: A safe place for teens to express themselves & learn necessary tools to find freedom & victory over their hurts, habits & hang-ups. Leaders will give a short lesson, & teens will be involved in object demonstrations, journaling & small group discussions. Meetings will be held every Sunday at 5:45 p.m. at Vertical Point Church, 860 Airport Rd, Alexander City. For more info, go tofb.com/landingvpc or call 205-441-7790.
September 19
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: The Air War College’s Dr. Bert Frandsen will speak to Horizons Unlimited on “The 100th Anniversary of the birth of American Airpower” Sept. 19 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Office.
September 20
MEETING: The Artist Association of Central Alabama will meet Sept. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church.
September 22
STORY TELLER: Delores Hydock, actress and storyteller, will present ‘Soldiers in Greasepaint: USO Camp Show Entertainers from World War II’ at Red Ridge Methodist Church (corner of Hwy 49 and 34) Sept. 22 at 11:30 a.m. Friends of the Dadeville Public Library will host this fun presentation by Delores, and she will tell us that it was bigger than Bob Hope! From Utah to the Philippines, from wrestlers and tap dancers to the biggest names in show business, from 16,000 servicemen in a southern France amphitheater to 20 GI’s in jeeps, USO camps were part of an inspiring story of volunteerism, patriotism and service. She shares with us her stories, pictures and video excerpts of some of the 7000 camp performers who brought music and laughs to US servicemen far from home during WW II. Call 256-825-7820 for more information.
September 23
SPAGHETTI DINNER: The Bibb Graves Alumni and Friends is hosting a spaghetti dinner Sept. 23 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with the Billy Morgan Band. All proceeds go to the restoration of the school.
September 24
WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP: The Artist Association of Central Alabama is hosting a watercolor workshop Sept. 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wine Emporium. The cost is $40 for members and $50 for non-members. The class is limited to 12 prepaid students. The workshop will cover birch trees in a snow scene. You can register at Wine Emporium or by calling Dottie Holdren at 256-377-4918. HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE: The Tallapoosa County Hunter Education Course before the 20162017 hunting season will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Hackneyville Community Center at 9461 Highway 63 North. The course will start at 7:30 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. Hunting laws and regulations, hunter ethics and responsibility, firearms safety and handling, wildlife management, first aid, and survival will be covered during the morning classroom session. Hands on training for rifle, shotgun, muzzle-
loader, and archery, tree stand safety and a blood trailing exercise will be conducted during the afternoon session. The state of Alabama requires anyone born after August 1, 1977 have the course before buying a hunting license for the first time. Youngsters under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult or in a group with transportation. Hunter education courses are free and meet requirements for purchasing a hunting license anywhere in the U.S. Mexico, Canada and most of Europe. To register for the course go to outdooralabama.com/hunting/education or for more information call Jerry Brown at (256) 839-5154. WOMEN AND MEN CONFERENCE: Peace and Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church is hosting a Women and Men Conference Sept. 24 Registration is $5 and starts at 9 a.m. with the conference starting at 9:30 a.m. Guest speakers are Rev. Anthony Clark and Sister Shahita Todd.
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September 25
SINGING AND PREACHING: Kendrick Baptist Church is hosting a singing and preaching with The Dyes at Sept. 25 at 10:30 a.m. There will be a covered dish luncheon to follow. MEN AND WOMEN DAY: Centerview Baptist Church in Camp Hill will celebrate Men and Women Day Sunday, Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. Rev. David Core and Community Baptist Church will be the guest. CHURCH HOMECOMING: Socapatoy Church will host homecoming Sunday, Sept. 25 at 11 a.m. The speaker will be REv. Clyde Coker. A business meeting will follow with dinner on the grounds at noon.
September 26
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Mollie Smith Waters will present “Disobedient Women Angelina Grimke, Virginia Foster Durr and the Pursuit of Equality,” Horizons Unlimited Sept. 26 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Office. MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION: The Alexander City Ministerial Association will meet Monday, Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Marshall Street Church of God. There will be time for planning, information, mutual support, sharing, encouragement, challenge and intercessory prayer. All Christian ministers are invited. For information contact Bill Middlebrooks,secretary at 256-2343371.
September 29 - October 15
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CHURCH HOMECOMING: Comer United Methodist Church will host a homecoming celebration Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. Spoken for Trio will be providing the special music and Rev. Steve Dunton will preach. A covered dish lunch will be served after the service. All visitors and former members are welcome. CHOIR DAY: Mt. Lovely Baptist Church in Camp Hill is celebrating their annual Choir Day Sunday, Oct. 2 at 2:30 p.m. Rev. Nelson Fears and the Pleasantview Missionary Baptist Church of Salem will be the guests.
October 3
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Dr. I. William Ferniany will present “History of the University of Alabama Birmingham Health System and It’s Future,” to Horizons Unlimited Oct. 3 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Office.
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CATHY HIGGINS SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
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SPORTS CALENDAR
Friday, September 16, 2016
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GAME NIGHT PREVIEW
Saturday, Sept. 17
•Horseshoe Bend Youth League Football at Beauregard Blue: freshmen 9 a.m., sophomores 10 a.m., juniors 11 a.m., seniors noon. •Dadeville Youth League Football home game against Beauregard Gold: freshmen 9 a.m., sophomores 10 a.m., juniors 11 a.m., seniors noon. •Reeltown Youth League Football home game against Tallassee: freshmen 9 a.m., sophomores 10 a.m., juniors 11 a.m., seniors noon.
Monday, Sept. 19 •Benjamin Russell High ninth grade football home game against Valley High at Charles E. Bailey Sportplex, 5 p.m. •BRHS ninth grade volleyball home game against Sylacauga at BRHS Gym, 5 p.m. •Horseshoe Bend JV/varsity volleyball at Clay Central, time 1:45 p.m. •Dadeville varsity volleyball at Elmore County, 4:30 p.m. •Dadeville Middle Boys football home game against Handley Middle, 5:30 p.m. at Tiger Stadium. •Dadeville JV football home game against Handley High, 7 p.m. •Central Coosa JV/varsity volleyball at Sylacauga, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 20 •BRHS JV/varsity valleyball at Central High of Clay County, 5 p.m. •BRHS ninth grade/JV volleyball home game against Dadeville High, 5 p.m. •Alexander City Middle School vollebyall at Eclectic Middle, 4:30 p.m. •Alex City Parks and Rec Youth Football: 10U Bengals vs 10U Ravens 5:30 p.m., 10U Broncos vs 10U Panthers 6:30 p.m., •Reeltown High JV/junior high football at Notasulga, 5:30 p.m. •Central Coosa JV/varsity volleyball home game against B.B. Comer, 1 p.m. •Central Coosa JV/junior high football game against Talladega County Central, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 21 •Alex City Parks and Rec Youth Football: 6U Redskins vs 6U Cowboys 5:30 p.m., 8U Panthers vs 8U Bears 6:30 p.m., 8U Bengals vs 8U Falcons 7:30 p.m. •Horseshoe Bend varsity volleyball against Dadeville, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 22 •BRHS JV/varsity volleyball home game against Wetumpka, 4:30 p.m. •Alex City Parks and Rec Youth Football: 6U Redskins vs 6U Steelers 5:30 p.m., 12U Falcons vs 12U Saints •Central Coosa JV/varsity volleyball home game against Horseshoe Bend, 4:30 p.m. •Dadeville JV/varsity volleyball against Clay Central, time TBA.
Friday, Sept. 23 •BRHS varsity football at Oxford High, 7 p.m. •Horseshoe Bend varsity football at Holtville, 7 p.m. •Dadeville varsity football at Valley High, 7 p.m. •Central Coosa varsity football at Thorsby High, 7 p.m. •Lyman Ward football game at Lighthouse Christian, 7 p.m.
HELP US REPORT THE SCORES Now that fall sports are under way. Let folks know how your favorite team fared so we can post it in Sports. Whether it’s youth league, adult league, middle school or high school, share the results of your team’s games with us. Just shoot an email with the final scores to Sports Editor Cathy Higgins at cathy.higgins@ alexcityoutlook.com or call and leave a voicemail at 256234-4281, ext. 228.
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell’s Nelcolby Maxwell stiff arms Chelsea defenders as he turns up a hole in the middle last Friday night.
Benjamin Russell aims for three in a row By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
Tonight Benjamin Russell heads to ASWA No. 5 ranked Opelika in hopes of earning its third consecutive win this season in a pivotal region contest. The Wildcats walk into tonight’s matchup with a 2-1 season record overall, 2-0 in the region. They face the Bulldogs, who are 4-0 this season, 1-0 in the region. Benjamin Russell is hoping to maintain the momentum from last week’s 40-29 win over Chelsea at home. “It was a big win,” said Wildcats head coach Danny Horn. “They’re a really good team. They were undefeated for our region.” The win didn’t come easy, as Chelsea was determined to put points on the scoreboard. “Offensively they were really good,” Horn said. “Defensively they weren’t as good as they were offensively. But we beat a really good team.” The coach is hoping that triumph gives the Wildcats the confidence needed to continue down a successful path this week. “That just shows we can beat good teams if we play good enough,” Horn said. “If we don’t, we’re not going to beat good teams.” Tonight Benjamin Russell has an opponent that also knows how to beat good teams. “They’re undefeated,” Horn said of Opelika. “It’s going to be a challenge for us, that’s for sure.” For the Wildcats, strategy for tonight boils down to one thing. “We’ve got to go down there and play hard and get better,” Horn said. Nonetheless, pulling out a win over the Bulldogs won’t be an easy task for Benjamin Russell. “We’re going to have to have some help,” Horn said. “I’m not going to sit here and say we’re going to go down there and dominate them because that’s probably not going to happen.” But besting the Bulldogs is not impossible. “If we can go down there and play hard and not have any turnovers and not have any penalties and get a few turnovers ourselves, then we’ve got a chance,” Horn said. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium.
Dadeville seeks redemption in Holtville
When Dadeville hits the road to play Holtville tonight, the Tigers head into the matchup 1-3 overall and 0-2 in the region. That seems somewhat of an advantage over the Bulldogs, who have yet to win a game this season. However, with last week’s 46-14 loss to Leeds still fresh, Tigers head coach Richard White points out a glaring mistake Dadeville needs to work out in order to pull out a win this week. “We haven’t played well in the second half all season long,” he said. “We’ve got to realize a high school football game is 48 minutes long, it’s not 24 minutes long. When we realize that, we’ll play some decent football.” With Holtville eager for a first win, the Tigers will have their work cut out for them tonight. “Holtville’s got a decent quarterback
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Drew Hill picks up 12 tough yards for the Generals during last week’s game against Reeltown. Horseshoe Bend lost 26-19.
and linemen,” White said. But the coach is more concerned about cleaning up Dadeville’s game. “We’ve got to correct our mistakes,” White said. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium.
Rebels travel to Lanett in search of win No. 3
Reeltown will also hit the road this week to play undefeated Lanett. Although Reeltown, now 2-2 overall and in the region, earned a 26-19 win over Horseshoe Bend last week, the Rebels did make some mistakes that head coach Matt Johnson is hoping not to repeat tonight at Lanett. “We had six penalties and one drive penalty,” he said. “We can’t do that.” Both Reeltown and Lanett are physical teams. But the Rebels are working hard to seal another win tomorrow. “I feel confident our guys will be fighting all four quarters,” Johnson said. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Morgan-Washburn Stadium.
Horseshoe Bend seeks second win
Horseshoe Bend is only one of two area teams playing at home this week. The Generals will host Ranburne tonight. Both teams are 1-2 for the season. But Ranburne is 1-1 in the region and the Generals are 0-2. That makes tonight’s game vital for both teams. “This is a pivotal game for us and for them,” said Generals head coach Jason Franklin. “This would be our first region win. In our situation right now it’s a mustwin situation.” That’s because coming out on top tonight would help increase the winning team’s chances to get a coveted playoff spot.
The Generals come into tonight’s game in the wake of a 26-19 loss to Reeltown in last week’s rivalry game. It was a doubly bitter situation as the team played the Rebels without Franklin and two players after a one-game suspension from the Alabama High School Athletic Association. “It was a tough loss but I’m proud of how our guys responded to adversity,” Franklin said. With that loss behind them, the Generals zoned in on tonight’s matchup with Ranburne. “Our guys are refocused,” Franklin said. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at General Stadium.
Cougars look for homefield advantage over Beulah
Central Coosa is the other area team playing at home tonight as the Cougars host Beulah. After last week’s 33-22 loss to Prattville Christian, Central Coosa comes into tonight’s matchup with a 1-2 overall season record and 0-1 in the region. Meanwhile, Beulah has yet to win this season and is 0-2 in the region. “It’s another region game,” said Cougars head coach Barry Simmons. “If we win that it sets us up for the rest of the year.” Central Coosa isn’t taking their home field advantage for granted, either. “If we don’t focus and have the intensity we need we’re not going to win,” Simmons said. To come out on top, the Cougars will have to play physical against Beulah. “They’ve got two really good wingbacks and a really good quarterback,” Simmons said, “and we’re going to have to stop them.” Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Cougar Stadium.